Vietnam - for adults and teens | ExpatWoman.com
 

Vietnam - for adults and teens

187
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:06

Hi all. I have done a search and found some threads but what I am looking for is advice for the first time visitor to Vietnam. 2 adults, three older-teens, about 8-10 during the Dec. holidays. I know it's last minute, that is life here, but would like to pick one city to focus on and can't decide which one to go to. Any ideas, recommendations? Many thanks.

685
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2015 - 00:51
After reading all of the Vietnam threads I'm adding it to my list of to go places. Lots of ideas on here for areas to explore.
133
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 17:25
bump for shopgirl as I see she's online now...
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 14:13
We did 2 nights Saigon, then 1 night trip to the Mekong Delta, which was one of the highlights of our trip, then Hoi An and Danang (5 nights). If you do a search there are posts about it. We arranged our trip through Come and go Vietnam, they were brilliant. They also arrange trips in the North. They arranged transfers, private sightseeing tours and our visa on arrival letter. http://comeandgovietnam.com It was nice to have a driver and guide, just took the hassle out of Saigon. Mekong Delta is so peaceful, we did the homestay but it was more like an upmarket B&B and the food was amazing. <em>edited by TimTam on 18/11/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 14:05
The whole family really loved Hoi An. Do the Heaven and Earth bicycle tour. Lots of great cafes, old buildings, authentic markets and friendly locals. There is something there for everyone albeit very touristy.
133
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:26
We also did Halong bay- loved it! And the train to Sa Pa, which is very cultural and beautiful in the mountains, very educational for young ones as it's such a different way of life and you can tour right in the different tribes. Hey, moose. How long would you advise for the Sa Pa trip? We couldn't afford the time the last time. Thanks! Sorry, just saw this. We took the night train to Sa Pa, got to the hotel mid morning, toured around a little, stayed one night, did a big tour the next day and then took the nigh train back to Hanoi that night. I've heard that homestays (you stay in a locals home) is awesome and much more interesting. We don't recommend the 5 star french hotel that we stayed at (sorry, don't remember the name but it's the only one like it there).
133
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:57
HI, thanks for the input. I was wondering if you were around Moose as I saw your posts in earlier Vietnam threads. Cooking classes are definitely on our 'to do' list as we did some in Italy and they were great fun. Not sure I can pull this trip together fast enough, but definitely going to see if I can make it happen! Haha, I'll always post on Vietnam threads... we thoroughly enjoyed that trip and reminisce of it often!!
133
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:55
We also did Halong bay- loved it! And the train to Sa Pa, which is very cultural and beautiful in the mountains, very educational for young ones as it's such a different way of life and you can tour right in the different tribes.
187
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:52
Wow, it looks fabulous. Thanks so much. Now to figure out the budget......
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:45
Google Indochina Junk, you'll also find reviews on them on tripadvisor.
1566
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:44
Well, The ipad goes everywhere with us now! i did go cold turkey whilst on the halong bay cruise. Thought I'd check in to see how the TNT is brewing....but nothing! <em>edited by Sugarbeach on 15/11/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:41
Which cruise did you do?
2738
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:40
We are in Hanoi as I write! We arrived at Hanoi several days ago and spent 2 days wondering through the old quarters and catching a water puppet show. Today we just came back from a 3 day cruise around the beautiful Halong Bay....got another day and a half left to explore more of Hanoi and its museums....not sure the ho chinh Ming mausoleum is appropriate for dd though....in short, i highly recommend Hanoi combined with a Halong Bay cruise. HTH :) Seriously addicted to EW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On holiday and posting!!!!!!!!!!!!!
187
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:39
Ohhhhhh, that sounds very tempting... will go explore that information too. Many thanks!! <em>edited by cafe au lait on 15/11/2012</em>
1566
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:28
We are in Hanoi as I write! We arrived at Hanoi several days ago and spent 2 days wondering through the old quarters and catching a water puppet show. Today we just came back from a 3 day cruise around the beautiful Halong Bay....got another day and a half left to explore more of Hanoi and its museums....not sure the ho chinh Ming mausoleum is appropriate for dd though....in short, i highly recommend Hanoi combined with a Halong Bay cruise. HTH :)
187
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:27
HI, thanks for the input. I was wondering if you were around Moose as I saw your posts in earlier Vietnam threads. Cooking classes are definitely on our 'to do' list as we did some in Italy and they were great fun. Not sure I can pull this trip together fast enough, but definitely going to see if I can make it happen!
133
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:19
I agree re: Ho Chi Minh. I would say Hanoi, tons to see and do (there's military museum that could be interesting for teens, and the old quarter, where you would probably stay, is easy to walk around and tour), or Hoi An for a little more relaxing, smaller, and still lots to do (cooking classes, touring old markets, museums, shops, great restaurants, a beach is close by, and renting a motorcycle isn't as daunting). We loved Hoi An and wish we would've stayed there longer, it's very "old school" and it is a world heritage site by UNESCO. We had young teens in our cooking class and they loved it.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 20:12
My DH went to Ho Chi Minh city (also know as Saigon City) and said its very crazy and not relaxing at all. Millions of bicycles and crazy driving and overpopulated,so perhaps scratch that one of your list.